Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1189. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for new afforestation grants in 2022; the rate that they will be paid at; if they will be paid at a premium to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52428/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to report that this year’s Budget delivered strong support for the forestry sector with an allocation of over €100m for 2022.

I look forward to using this funding for the planting of trees which is at the centre of our climate strategy. This funding allows us to fund up to 8,000 new hectares of afforestation subject to new applications received and processed.

The current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) provides significant supports for afforestation and includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest.

The scheme also pays an annual premium to the landowner of up to €680 per hectare payable each year for 15 years. For 2022, there has been no change in the rates of grants and premiums payable, and the same rates are payable to both farmers and non-farmers.

Measures included in the programme are voluntary and comprise the main Afforestation Scheme (incorporating Native Woodland Establishment, Agro-Forestry and Forestry for Fibre), as well as a variety of support schemes to help forest owners with the management of their forests, including timber mobilisation.

This approach has resulted in over 28,000 hectares of forestry having been planted on private lands during the Programme so far. The money will also help to progress the programme of reform and delivery of a new forest strategy which is happening under Project Woodland.

The current grant and premium rates payable are shown in the tables below.